Smart people go to the big box stores only when they already know what they want. People looking for a good system have to ask themselves, what good could I possibly be getting from a dvd player that retails for 89.00, heck the box and packaging is probably worth 7.00, the store is making money, a distributer somewhere is making money, the item had to be shipped from over seas, and some manufacture somewhere is making money, how much could it have cost to produce? It's disposable I guess. But thats where the Big box stores do well, lower priced equipment, sales staff that don't really have to know too much,(that would take up too much time) and the hope that most people coming in already have a pretty good idea of what they want.
I am glad your experience at a high end retailler turned out well, most people that have gone that route would share your sentiments, (the Gefen piece is nice I use them too when needed).
Building a home theatre system is not like buying paper towels, if you are going to worry about saving 50.00, then the HTIB (home theatre in a box) and doing it yourself is possibly the way to go. This isn't supposed to be something you buy every couple of years, a good system should last a long time, and be designed to allow for possible new technologies, thats why a good custom integration firm or higher end retail is the better bet. It will cost you a litle more, but in the end you will get service, experience and a good reliable system that should perform to your expectations.
When I started building my home theater system I shopped at FRYS, CIRCUT CITY etc. and what a nitemare salespeople new nothing, I bought gear that was not compatable problems, problems. Then I went to a high end retailer SAN JOSE electronice , They spent a lot of time with me and gave me a system thats awsome and for the same price as the monster stores. Also I had a problem with the nasty picture from my d.v.d. player, So the salesman came to my house with a DENON 2900 and a gifin d.v.i switcher, hooked it up and BAM beautiful picture I wrote him out a check, now That is customer service, I think you folks make a mistake when you buy from monster stores especially cosco good luck to you all stewart norrie

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